The Oklahoma Sooners have secured a transformative talent for their 2025 football season with the addition of quarterback John Mateer. A former standout at Washington State, Mateer is poised to lead a revamped offense under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle.
A Dual-Threat Quarterback with Proven Success
In his lone season as a starter at Washington State, Mateer delivered exceptional performance, amassing 3,139 passing yards and 29 touchdowns while completing 64.6% of his passes. Demonstrating his versatility, he also rushed for 826 yards and 15 touchdowns, leading the nation in total touchdowns with 44. His dual-threat capabilities were showcased in notable victories, including a 197-yard rushing game against Texas Tech and a 390-yard passing game in a double-overtime win over San Jose State
A Strategic Fit for Oklahoma’s Offense
Mateer’s decision to transfer to Oklahoma aligns strategically, as he reunites with Arbuckle, who previously served as Washington State’s offensive coordinator. This continuity is expected to facilitate a seamless transition, allowing Mateer to quickly adapt to Oklahoma’s system. His arrival is particularly significant following the departure of quarterback Jackson Arnold, who transferred to Auburn
Leadership and Impact on the Team
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables has expressed confidence in Mateer’s leadership and experience. Venables highlighted Mateer’s “great arm talent” and “really good instincts,” emphasizing that he will “make us better” citeturn0search0. This endorsement underscores the high expectations surrounding Mateer’s role in revitalizing Oklahoma’s offense.
NIL Deal Solidifies Mateer’s Commitment
Further solidifying his commitment to Oklahoma, Mateer signed a historic, record-breaking NIL deal with the Oklahoma Sooner Top Collective. This agreement spans multiple years and includes endorsements, community initiatives, and personal branding opportunities, ensuring Mateer’s impact extends beyond the football field
Looking Ahead
As Oklahoma prepares for a challenging 2025 season, Mateer’s addition is a pivotal move in rebuilding the team’s offensive prowess. With a formidable schedule ahead, including matchups against Michigan, Alabama, and Texas, the synergy between Mateer and Arbuckle will be crucial in determining the Sooners’ success. The combination of Mateer’s dynamic playmaking and Arbuckle’s innovative coaching presents an exciting prospect for Oklahoma’s football program.